ICRC: Evacuation of Syria's wounded prime concern

The Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross have assisted thousands of people over the past few days alone, The Geneva-based ICRC said on Saturday. The priority is to continue helping the most affected people in Abel, Hama, Idlib, Dara'a and rural Damascus, including those who fled the Baba Amr district of Homs. 'The situation remains difficult in many parts of the country. Needs are great, both in Homs following the recent fighting there and in other regions affected by the unrest. Cold weather and a deteriorating economic situation are making it even harder for people to cope,' it said. The ICRC said that evacuation of the wounded and the safety of medical personnel are two prime concerns. 'A casualty's life often depends on how quickly an emergency team can evacuate and treat them. Anyone who is ill or has been wounded must be able to obtain medical care, and medical staff and facilities must be protected at all times.' The ICRC said that in Abel (10 km from Homs) food and hygiene items have been provided for about 2,700 people. 'They will be receiving mattresses and blankets in the coming days. People who fled to Abel because of the fighting in the Baba Amr district in Homs have also received aid. 'They had left in a hurry, leaving all their belongings behind, and were very happy to see the ICRC and Syrian Arab Red Crescent team for the second time in four days.' The ICRC said that Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers treated a number of children in Abel who were ill.